Payroll and Benefits Specialist
Connecticut, Danbury
Corporate – Human Resources / Training /
Full-time /
Hybrid
About Waterworks
When you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large.
What We Provide
What gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training, career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, and 401k retirement savings plan. We offer a generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time) with additional perks like some summer half days and a volunteer day. The company observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday that associates can use at their discretion.
The Role
We are seeking a seasoned and detail-oriented Payroll and Benefits Specialist to own and drive payroll accuracy, global payroll administration, and benefits programs across our growing, multi-national workforce. This role is responsible for ensuring payroll and benefits integrity for 400+ U.S. associates and associates in 6+ international countries.
As part of a publicly traded company (RH), the accuracy, compliance, and timeliness of payroll and benefits administration are essential. This leader must bring a proven track record of delivering results with minimal supervision, navigating complex compliance requirements (including SOX), and maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and professionalism.
This role is ideal for a self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment and has the expertise to anticipate needs, solve problems, and independently ensure flawless execution.
This is a hybrid role requiring on site presence at the Danbury, CT corporate office a minimum of 3 days per week.
Responsibilities
- Payroll:
- Full ownership of bi-weekly payroll processing for 400+ multi-state employees via ADP Workforce Now, ensuring accuracy of new hires, terminations, time & attendance, wage changes, deductions, garnishments, variable pay,and reimbursements.
- Manage monthly international payrolls across 6+ countries in partnership with global EOR/Entities
- Deliver accurate, timely reporting to The People Team, Accounting/Finance, and leadership teams, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Highly skilled in running these reports and manipulating in Microsoft Excel.
- Ensure SOX compliance and maintain complete payroll documentation (electronic and paper).
- Stay current on payroll laws, regulations, and tax filing requirements, ensuring compliance across jurisdictions.
- Provide training to managers on payroll and timekeeping processes, identifying and addressing wage/hour issues proactively.
- Lead all payroll activities related to equity events and trading windows, often requiring after-hours availability and running out of sequence payrolls
- Ownership and maintenance of accurate and complete payroll and personnel files including paper and electronic files via Dyna-file
- Partner with Recruiting Team on all on-boarding documentation activities including state and local customization of paperwork and facilitating employee on-boarding meetings
- Understanding of quarterly and annual tax filings and associated internal reporting
- Model the Waterworks Values
- Lead administration of all employee benefits programs, including health, retirement, wellness, and ancillary benefits.
- Partner with leadership to evaluate health plan competitiveness, analyze survey data, and recommend enhancements.
- Management of benefits enrollment, renewal, and terminations processes
- Install approved new plans or changes to existing plans by preparing announcement materials, plan summary documents and other media for communicating plans to employees. Conduct employee meetings and arrange for enrollment.
- Counsel associates and managers on benefit plans, leave of absence processes, and 401(k) education.
- Partner with the 3rd party Leave Administrator to ensure accuracy of leave dates and payments, while supporting a smooth, compliant transition for associates entering and returning from leave.
- May be asked to partner with Finance and People Team leadership on compensation programs, including variable pay analysis and compliance.
- Monitor benefits regulations, trends, and compliance requirements, ensuring plans remain competitive and compliant.
- Other duties as assigned
- Ensure all payroll, benefits, and compensation practices are compliant with SOX, federal, state, and international regulations. Participates in audits as needed.
- Maintain strict confidentiality with all employee data and sensitive company information.
Benefits & Compensation:
Compliance & Confidentiality:
Required Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, Accounting, or related field.
- 5–7+ years of payroll and benefits processing/leadership, including multi-state U.S. payroll; international payroll experience strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of ADP Workforce Now and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Knowledge of Employee Navigator or a similar benefits portal
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership, and deliver with minimal supervision.
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to educate, influence, and partner across levels.
- Proven success operating in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with competing priorities.
- Flexibility to work extended hours as needed during year-end and open trading windows.
- CEBS designation a plus
Our Values
Be Authentic: Engage in real conversations. Communicate honestly with respect and professionalism.
Raise The Bar: Share ideas to uphold our standard of excellence. Never settle for less than the best.
Own It: Be responsible for your results. Empower yourself and others to step forward and lead.
Partner For Perfection: Collaborate with peers and teammates to deliver superior service to our clients.
Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate excitement and enthusiasm for our brand and company.
Waterworks is committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate's experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Waterworks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
